Burke wants to make point vs. Middletown

Three consecutive trips to the Class B state tournament final four. Two appearances in the championship. One state title.

Justin Rodriguez

Three consecutive trips to the Class B state tournament final four. Two appearances in the championship. One state title.

John S. Burke Catholic's resume is as impressive as anyone's in Section 9 over the last few years. Still, call him crazy, but guard Jesse Longmire thinks the Eagles have to prove themselves after being moved up to Class A this season.

On Tuesday, Burke Catholic will have a chance to make a big statement. The Eagles host Middletown at 7 p.m. in a match-up of two of Section 9's elite teams. Sure, it's a non-league game. But this isn't just any non-leaguer.

Burke Catholic has walked to four straight Section 9 Class B titles and won the state championship two years ago. The Eagles are the favorites to win in Class A in March. Middletown is the defending Section 9 Class AA champion and plays a tough schedule.

"I think it's a good match-up, a great test for our program," Longmire said. "We still have to show something, being in this position in Class A for the first time. My team wants to win this game, just like we want to win every game. It's a good test."

Of course, Middletown expects, at least, a run from the Eagles. Burke Catholic defeated host Middletown 63-58 last season. Two key players in that game who return for this showdown are Burke Catholic center/forward Stan Buczek, who had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Middletown sophomore guard Aaron Ray. Ray scored 17.

"I'm excited about it," Middletown coach Jim Kelly said. "They are a great team, especially on their home court. It will be a crazy atmosphere, like Cameron Indoor Stadium. It's the Eagle's Nest. It's tough, but it's a great atmosphere for high school basketball."

Burke Catholic scrimmaged another Class AA power, Kingston, during the preseason for six quarters. According to Burke Catholic coach Doug Janeczko, Kingston "got the better" of the Eagles. He added: "We are a lot better at this point."

jrodriguez@th-record.com

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